What a difference Disc Brakes make!

[bgelyhome]

Just converted my 2016 Jayco 36RSQS Pinnacle from Electric Brakes to Disc Brakes. The difference in stopping the trailer is like night and day. While the Electric Brakes would slow the Pinnacle down, the Disc Brakes will stop it. My tow vehicle is a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD SWD with a Duramax Diesel. As a result of the Disc Brake installation, I have changed my Trailer Brake Control from 8.5 to 5.5 to keep from sliding the trailer tires. I purchased the Performance Trailer Braking (PTB) Kit for my 7,000 lb Axles and John & Barbara Alinger installers for Performance Trailer Braking came to my 5th wheel and expertly installed the kit for me. PTB took my axle manufacturer and serial numbers and match the Disc Brakes to my axles. I have attached a few before and after pictures. They are heavy duty and also look good. The installed disc brakes make it easy to inspect for grease leaks on the rear seals and add a shot or two of grease annually. During installation, we found that both my right side wheels had leaked grease onto the electric brake shoes (scary). I would recommend Performance Trailer Braking system. If you will mention my name (Billy Ely – Birmingham, AL) when ordering your Performance Trailer Braking system, you will get a $50 discount.

[Magnolia Tom]

Congrats on the new stopping power! Makes you wonder how you ever managed to stop before with crappy drum brakes. You’ll never get another trailer without disc brakes now that you have them

[Mopar_Earl]

Welcome to the disc club!


Earl

[Tony wolfe]

Originally Posted by bgelyhome

Just converted my 2016 Jayco 36RSQS Pinnacle from Electric Brakes to Disc Brakes. The difference in stopping the trailer is like night and day. While the Electric Brakes would slow the Pinnacle down, the Disc Brakes will stop it. My tow vehicle is a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD SWD with a Duramax Diesel. As a result of the Disc Brake installation, I have changed my Trailer Brake Control from 8.5 to 5.5 to keep from sliding the trailer tires. I purchased the Performance Trailer Braking (PTB) Kit for my 7,000 lb Axles and John & Barbara Alinger installers for Performance Trailer Braking came to my 5th wheel and expertly installed the kit for me. PTB took my axle manufacturer and serial numbers and match the Disc Brakes to my axles. I have attached a few before and after pictures. They are heavy duty and also look good. The installed disc brakes make it easy to inspect for grease leaks on the rear seals and add a shot or two of grease annually. During installation, we found that both my right side wheels had leaked grease onto the electric brake shoes (scary). I would recommend Performance Trailer Braking system. If you will mention my name (Billy Ely – Birmingham, AL) when ordering your Performance Trailer Braking system, you will get a $50 discount.

How much$

[Poppyof5]

If you don't mind.. what did it set you back ?

[Murff]

Cost Examples:

https://performancetrailerbraking.co...waAv9SEALw_wcB

Murf

[eharris205]

Another welcome from the disc brake club. Had MorRyde install them when I had the suspension upgraded. Love them. One of the best investments ever!

[Lake Huron]

Am I reading that right at the tune of $2100??

[DonaandDon]

Wow, I'm thinking there's a reason the auto industry went to disk brakes. For all those out there that keep those brake neck speeds. However for us that travel the slow lane, $2,100 will buy a lot of brake shoes.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by DonaandDon

Wow, I'm thinking there's a reason the auto industry went to disk brakes. For all those out there that keep those brake neck speeds. However for us that travel the slow lane, $2,100 will buy a lot of brake shoes.

It’s difficult to convey just how much better the braking performance is with disc brakes. On lighter travel trailers or light fifth wheels, I may agree that the need to switch is questionable. But, for a heavy NP or Pinnacle, it’s really needed.

Having said that, when towing, even in the slow lane, there’s always some jerk that’ll cut you off and make you have to do a panic stop. With the disc brakes, it’s a lot less stressful. There will eventually come a time when you either get sick of constantly checking for grease contamination and adjusting the drum brakes or you try to make a panic stop and can’t stop quite soon enough that you’ll see you value (and need) for the conversion. For me, it was a safety decision.

[AKRUEBBE]

Originally Posted by Lake Huron

Am I reading that right at the tune of $2100??

That's just for the parts. If you have them installed the labor would be added which I really have no idea what they charge to install.

[bgelyhome]

Installation for my Disc Brakes was $1,000. I started to install it myself but was not comfortable with modifying the wiring to the Emergency Braking systems. I have had a few close calls with jerks cutting me off and slamming on their brakes, so the cost was piece of mind that I can stop that big Pinnacle and not just slow it down with electric brakes.

[AKRUEBBE]

Originally Posted by bgelyhome

Installation for my Disc Brakes was $1,000. I started to install it myself but was not comfortable with modifying the wiring to the Emergency Braking systems. I have had a few close calls with jerks cutting me off and slamming on their brakes, so the cost was piece of mind that I can stop that big Pinnacle and not just slow it down with electric brakes.

So about $3,200 for the entire project?

[kevinjulie]

I think I paid around between $2500 and $3000 for parts and labor. That seemed extremely affordable compared to a law suit after rear ending someone. I can pull our 5th wheel with confidence I can stop. I am a lot more relaxed driving. Worth every penny.

[basque]

I would be interested in doing the install myself. Does anyone know who out there supplies parts. I have a Seismic 355 toyhauler, 7000 lb axles.

[haweinberger]

I converted over to disc last year. After a 10,000 mile trip cross country down to the keys I had come home and had the pinnacle serviced. Goin have the wheel bearings serviced. My mechanic told me that one side was full of grease and virtually non-operational. I kind of knew stopping power was minimal. I have a 3500 denali diesel dually, which has the stop. After a estimate of $1000 for a complete brake shop I decided to put the $1000 into new disc brakes. $3000 installed. Best investment EVER. Can now stop the whole rig just using the trailer brakes. Every big rig should have DISC. No and, ifs or buts. Just do it.

[Levinehikeski]

Typically disc brakes work better. I think the reason that trailer brakes are less than adequate due to the lower quality items that all manufacturers put into their products, not just brakes, everywhere (They are trying to satisfy many different key items, and have to compromise in ALL). They would/could be better if they are sized correctly or just larger. There are still a few vehicles made (in 2019) with drum brakes, mostly trucks and economy small cars.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by basque

I would be interested in doing the install myself. Does anyone know who out there supplies parts. I have a Seismic 355 toyhauler, 7000 lb axles.

I did the install myself on my North Point. Here’s where I got mine from. I also have 7000 lb axles.

[Jorddarb]

If you have lippert axels under warranty and the seals are blown call them before or after you have the work done. They authorized my repair and refunded 1500 ish of the disk break install. Worth the phone call if your seals are blown. Be sure to take lots of pictures and pictures of the axel stickers as well.

[GLENNEM]

Originally Posted by Lake Huron

Am I reading that right at the tune of $2100??

$2100USD Per axle!!